Hybrid Distributed Low Voltage Power Systems

ABSTRACT

A hybrid distributed low voltage power system can include a first primary power source that distributes line voltage power during a first mode of operation. The system can also include a first secondary power source that receives an input signal during the first mode of operation and distributes a reserve signal during the second mode of operation, where the reserve signal is generated from the input signal. The system can further include a PDM coupled to the first primary power source and the first secondary power source. The system can also include at least one first LV device coupled to the first output channel of the PDM, where the at least one LV device operates using the first LV signal during the first mode of operation, and where the at least one first LV device receives a reserve LV signal during the second mode of operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/098,909, titled “Hybrid Distributed Low Voltage Power Systems” andfiled on Apr. 14, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/147,199, filed on Apr. 14, 2015, and titled “HybridDistributed Low Voltage Power Systems.” The entire content of theforegoing applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to power distributionsystems, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices forhybrid low voltage power distribution systems.

BACKGROUND

Certain devices (e.g., light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures) withindistributed power systems can operate on different types (e.g., directcurrent (DC), alternating current (AC)) and/or amounts (e.g., 24V, 2A,120V, 50 mA) of power relative to the type and amount of power thatfeeds the distributed power system. Further, the devices receiving powerfrom the device distributing the power within the distributed powersystem can be located relatively close to such power distributiondevice.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a hybriddistributed low voltage power system that can include a first primarypower source that distributes line voltage power during a first mode ofoperation and fails to distribute the line voltage power during a secondmode of operation. The system can also include a first secondary powersource that receives an input signal during the first mode of operationand distributes a reserve signal during the second mode of operation,where the reserve signal is generated from the input signal. The systemcan further include a power distribution module (PDM) coupled to thefirst primary power source and the first secondary power source, wherethe PDM includes a first power transfer device and a first outputchannel, where the PDM receives the line voltage power from the firstprimary power source during the first mode of operation, and where thefirst power transfer device generates a first low-voltage (LV) signalusing the line voltage power during the first mode of operation. Thesystem can also include at least one first LV device coupled to thefirst output channel of the PDM, where the at least one LV deviceoperates using the first LV signal generated by the PDM during the firstmode of operation, and where the at least one first LV device receives areserve LV signal based on the reserve signal during the second mode ofoperation.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a secondarypower source that can include at least one input channel configured toreceive an input signal from a primary power source. The secondary powersource can also include a storage portion coupled to the at least oneinput channel, where the storage portion stores the input signal, wherethe storage portion converts the input signal to a reserve signal. Thesecondary power source can further include at least one output channelcoupled to the storage portion and device power distribution module(PDM), where the at least one output channel is configured to deliverthe reserve signal to the PDM for use by at least one LV device.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a powerdistribution module (PDM) that can include an input channel configuredto receive a line voltage power from a primary power source during afirst mode of operation. The PDM can also include a secondary channelconfigured to receive a reserve signal from a secondary power sourceduring a second mode of operation. The PDM can further include a powertransfer device coupled to the input channel and the secondary channel,where the power transfer device generates a low voltage (LV) signalusing the line voltage power during the first mode of operation, andwhere the power transfer device generates a reserve LV signal using thereserve signal during the second mode of operation. The PDM can alsoinclude an output channel coupled to the power transfer device, wherethe output channel is configured to send the LV signal to at least onefirst LV device during the first mode of operation, and where the outputchannel is configured to send the reserve LV signal to the at least onefirst LV device during the second mode of operation.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of hybrid distributedlow voltage power systems and are therefore not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, as hybrid distributed low voltage power systemsmay admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements andfeatures shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of theexample embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positioningsmay be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In thedrawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but notnecessarily identical, elements.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a system diagram of a hybrid distributed lowvoltage power system in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a system diagram of another hybrid distributed low voltagepower system in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows another system diagram of another hybrid distributed lowvoltage power system in accordance with certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems,apparatuses, and methods of hybrid distributed low voltage powersystems. While example embodiments described herein are directed to usewith lighting systems, example embodiments can also be used in systemshaving other types of devices. Examples of such other systems caninclude, but are not limited to, security systems, fire protectionsystems, emergency management systems, and assembly systems. Thus,example embodiments are not limited to use with lighting systems.

Example embodiments can be used with one or more of any number of lowvoltage system infrastructures. For instance, example embodiments canuse Ethernet cables coupled to output channels of a power-over-Ethernet(POE) switch, where the PDM (defined below) acts as the POE switch. Asanother example, the PDM can serve as a gateway, where multiple devicesare connected to the output channels of the PDM. In this way, the PDMcan act as a point-of-load (POL) controller, described below. As yetanother example, the PDM can cat as a gateway, which in turn can causethe PDM to act as a POL controller.

As defined herein, a mode of operation is defined by certain factorsexisting or not existing and/or by certain components of an examplesystem described herein operating or not operating. For example, a firstmode of operation can be defined when a primary power source deliversline voltage power, and a second mode of operation can be defined whenthe primary power source fails to deliver line voltage power. As anotherexample, a first mode of operation can be defined during “off peak”hours when power prices are relatively low, and a second mode ofoperation can be defined during “peak” hours when power prices arerelatively high.

As described herein, a user can be any person that interacts withexample hybrid distributed low voltage power systems. Examples of a usermay include, but are not limited to, a consumer, an electrician, anengineer, a mechanic, a pipe fitter, an instrumentation and controltechnician, a consultant, a contractor, an operator, and amanufacturer's representative. For any figure shown and describedherein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated,and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particularfigure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements ofcomponents shown in such figure.

Further, if a component of a figure is described but not expressly shownor labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding componentin another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if acomponent in a figure is labeled but not described, the description forsuch component can be substantially the same as the description for thecorresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for thevarious components in the figures herein is such that each component isa three digit number and corresponding components in other figures havethe identical last two digits.

In certain example embodiments, the hybrid distributed low voltage powersystems (or portions thereof) described herein meet one or more of anumber of standards, codes, regulations, and/or other requirementsestablished and maintained by one or more entities. Examples of suchentities include, but are not limited to, Underwriters' Laboratories,the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the NationalFire Protection Association. For example, wiring (the wire itself and/orthe installation of such wire) that electrically couples an example PDM(defined below) with a device may fall within one or more standards setforth in the National Electric Code (NEC). Specifically, the NEC definesClass 1 circuits and Class 2 circuits under various Articles, dependingon the application of use.

Class 1 circuits under the NEC typically operate using line voltages(e.g., between 120 V alternating current (AC) and 600 VAC). The wiringused for Class 1 circuits under the NEC must be run in raceways,conduit, and enclosures for splices and terminations. Consequently,wiring for Class 1 circuits must be installed by a licensed electricalprofessional. By contrast, Class 2 circuits under the NEC typicallyoperate at lower power levels (e.g., up to 100 VAC, no more than 60 VDC). The wiring used for Class 2 circuits under the NEC does not need tobe run in raceways, conduit, and/or enclosures for splices andterminations. Specifically, the NEC defines a Class 2 circuit as thatportion of a wiring system between the load side of a Class 2 powersource and the connected equipment. Due to its power limitations, aClass 2 circuit is considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint andprovides acceptable protection from electrical shock. Consequently,wiring for Class 2 circuits may not need to be installed by a licensedelectrical professional.

As another example, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)sets and maintains multiple standards and categorizations of electricalsupply for a system. One such categorization is separated or safetyextra-low voltage (SELV), which is an electrical system in which thevoltage cannot exceed 25 V AC RMS (root-mean-square) (35 V AC peak) or60 V DC under dry, normal conditions, and under single-fault conditions,including earth faults in other circuits. Another such categorization isprotected extra-low voltage (PELV), which is an electrical system inwhich the voltage cannot exceed 25 V AC RMS (root-mean-square) (35 V ACpeak) or 60 V DC under dry, normal conditions, and under single-faultconditions, except earth faults in other circuits. Yet another suchcategorization is functional extra-low voltage (FELV), which is anelectrical system in which the voltage cannot exceed 25 V AC RMS(root-mean-square) (35 V AC peak) or 60 V DC under normal conditions.

Example embodiments of hybrid distributed low voltage power systems willbe described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which example embodiments of hybrid distributed low voltagepower systems are shown. Hybrid distributed low voltage power systemsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of hybriddistributed low voltage power systems to those of ordinary skill in theart. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes calledcomponents) in the various figures are denoted by like referencenumerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish onecomponent (or part of a component or state of a component) from another.Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particularorientation. Also, the names given to various components describedherein are descriptive of one or more embodiments and are not meant tobe limiting in any way. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that a feature and/or component shown and/or described in oneembodiment (e.g., in a figure) herein can be used in another embodiment(e.g., in any other figure) herein, even if not expressly shown and/ordescribed in such other embodiment.

FIGS. 1A and 1B each shows a system diagram of a hybrid distributedpower system 100 and system 101, respectively, in accordance withcertain example embodiments. The system 100 of FIG. 1A and the system101 of FIG. 1B includes, in varying degrees of configuration, at leastone (in this case, two) primary power source 110, at least one powerdistribution module 120 (PDM 120), at least one secondary power source125 (also called a storage device 125), at least one (in this case,seven) troffer light 130, at least one (in this case, three) can light150, at least one (in this case, one) sensing device 140 (e.g., motionsensor), at least one (in this case, one) inverter 160, at least one (inthis case, one) wall outlet 170, at least one (in this case, one)photocell/timer 141, and at least one (in this case, three) externalcontroller 190. An external controller 190 can also be called by othernames, including but not limited to a master controller and a networkmanager. An external controller 190 can be coupled to any of a number ofPDMs and/or other components in any of a number of systems.

Operational components of system 100, system 101, or any systemdescribed herein, such as the troffer lights 130, the can lights 150,and the sensing devices 140, are referred to generally herein as LVdevices 180 (also called “devices” or “downstream devices”). As definedherein, a LV device 180 can be any device coupled to an output channelof the PDM 120 to receive LV signal from the PDM 120. In this case, theLV devices 180 include the troffer lights 130, the can lights 150, thecontrollers 190, the inverter 160, the wall outlet 170, thephotocell/timer 141, and the sensing device 140. The system 100 andsystem 101 can be a hybrid system because there is a primary powersource 110 and at least one secondary power source 125.

Each of these components of the system 100 and system 101 areelectrically coupled to at least one other component of the system 100and system 101 using wired and/or wireless technology. For example,primary power source 110A and primary power source 110B are coupled tothe PDM 120 and the inverter 160, respectively, by one or more linevoltage cables 102. As another example, the secondary power source 125are coupled to at least one troffer light 130 using one or more lowvoltage (LV) cables 104. As yet another example, the PDM 120 can becoupled to the external controller 190 using one or more communicationlinks 106. Each of these wired technologies will be discussed below inmore detail.

A sensing device 140 can be any LV device 180 that detects one or moreconditions (e.g., motion, light, sound). Examples of a sensing device140 can include, but are not limited to, a photocell, a motion detector,an audio detector, a pressure detector, a temperature sensor, and an airflow sensor. The controller 190 can be any LV 180 device that controlsone or more of the other LV devices 180 in the system 100. Examples of acontroller 190 can include, but are not limited to, a thermostat, adimmer switch, a control switch, a control panel, and a power switch.

The controller 190 of FIGS. 1A and 1B can communicate with (e.g., sendinstructions to, receive data about one or more LV devices 180 from) thePDM 120 and/or a power source (e.g., secondary power source 125).Instructions sent by the controller 190 to the PDM 120 can affect theoperation of all LV devices 180 coupled to one or more particularchannels of the PDM 120, particular LV devices 180 coupled to one ormore particular channels of the PDM 120, or any combination thereof.Communication between the PDM 120, the controller 190, and thecontrollers in one or more LV devices 180 of the system 100 can includethe transfer (sending and/or receiving) of data. Communications betweenthe PDM 120, the controller 190, and/or a LV device 180 (e.g., thetroffer lights 130, the can lights 150, the controller 190, a secondarypower source 125) can be made through the LV cables 104 and/or thecommunication link 106, using wired and/or wireless technology.

Such data can include instructions, status reports, notifications,and/or any other type of information. Specific examples of data and/orinstructions sent between the PDM 120, the controller 190, and/or a LVdevice 180 (e.g., the troffer lights 130, the can lights 150, thecontroller 190, the sensing device 140, a secondary power source 125)can include, but are not limited to, delivery of power signals (e.g., LVsignals) to one or more LV devices 180, a light level, a light faderate, a demand response, occupancy of an area, detection of daylight, asecurity override, a temperature, a measurement of power, a measurementor calculation of power factor, operational status, a mode of operation,a dimming curve, a color and/or correlated color temperature (CCT), amanual action, manufacturing information, performance information,warranty information, air quality measurements, upgrade of firmware,update of software, position of a shade, and a device identifier.

Each primary power source 110 (e.g., primary power source 110A, primarypower source 110B) generates and/or delivers, directly or indirectly,electrical power that is a higher voltage than the voltage ultimatelyused by the various LV devices 180 (e.g., light troffers 130, can lights150, sensing devices 140) in the system 100. The power generated ordelivered by the primary power source 110 can be called line voltagepower or input power. The line voltage power can be power that isdelivered to a house, building, or other similar structure that supplieselectricity located within or proximate to such structure.

A primary power source 110 can also generate DC power. Examples ofvoltages generated by a primary power source 110 can include 120 VAC,240 VAC, 277 VAC, 24 VDC, 480 VDC, and 480 VAC. If the line voltagepower is AC power, the frequency can be 50 Hz, 60 Hz, or some otherfrequency. Examples of a primary power source 110 can include, but arenot limited to, a battery, a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel, a windturbine, a power capacitor, an energy storage device, a powertransformer, a fuel cell, a generator, and a circuit panel. As definedherein, a line voltage includes any of a number of voltages that istypically at least as great as the maximum LV signal (described below),and that is typically a nominal service voltage such as 120 VAC, 277VAC, or 480 VDC.

The line voltage power is sent, directly or indirectly, from a primarypower source 110 to one or more other components (e.g., a PDM 120, asecondary power source 125) of the system 100 and the system 101 usingthe line voltage cables 102. The line voltage cables 102 can include oneor more conductors made of one or more electrically conductive materials(e.g., copper, aluminum). The size (e.g., gauge) of the line voltagecables 102 (and/or conductors therein) are sufficient to carry the linevoltage power of the primary power source 110. Each line voltage cable102 may be coated with an insulator made of any suitable material (e.g.,rubber, plastic) to keep the electrical conductors electrically isolatedfrom any other conductor in the line voltage cable 102.

In certain example embodiments, one or more of the LV devices 180 (inthis case, the light troffers 130, the can lights 150, the sensingdevice 140, and the controller 190) in the system 100 and system 101 usean amount and/or type (e.g., DC, AC) of power that is different from theamount and type of line voltage power generated by a primary powersource 110. For example, the line voltage power generated by a primarypower source 110 can be AC power, and the LV devices 180 of the system100 and system 101 require DC power to operate. In such a case, the PDM120 and/or a secondary power source 125 can be used between the primarypower sources 110 and the LV devices 180. In this way, the PDM 120and/or the secondary power source 125 can convert the input power (theline voltage power) to low-voltage (LV) power (also called a LV signal),where the LV power can be used by the various downstream LV devices 180.As defined herein, a LV signal has a voltage that does not exceedapproximately 42.4 VAC (root mean square) or 60 VDC.

In the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A and the system 101 of FIG. 1B, theportions of the system 100 and the system 101 that involve the LV powerare classified as a “safe” system under currently-existing standardsand/or regulations. For example, the LV power portions of the system 100and system 101 can be considered a NEC Class 2 system. As anotherexample, the LV power portions of the system 100 and system 101 can beconsidered free from risk of fire and/or electrical shock.

In many typical systems known in the art, one or more of the downstreamLV devices 180 (e.g., troffer light 130, can light 150, sensing device140) can include a power transfer device because such LV devices 180receive the input power (or other power) from a component (e.g., primarypower source 110A) of the system 100 and system 101 where the power isof a type and/or amount that is different from that of the power used bythe LV device 180. Using example embodiments, the downstream LV devices180 may not require a power transfer device because the power that eachof these LV devices 180 receive is LV power (also called a LV signal) ina type and amount (e.g., 100 W, 48 VDC) used by such LV devices 180.

In certain example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one or moreof the LV devices 180 can include or be coupled to a power transferdevice that receives the LV signal and generates, using the LV signal, alevel and type of power used by the LV device 180. As a result, such LVdevices 180 can have a point-of-load POL controller 109 (also called,for example, a driver or a ballast). The POL controller 109 is usuallylocated within a housing of the LV device 180 and is designed to receivea LV signal. When a LV signal is received by the POL controller 109, thePOL controller 109 provides power regulation and control to the LVdevice 180. In other words, a POL controller 109 can perform one or moreof a number of functions. Such functions can include, but are notlimited to, receiving instructions (as from the PDM 120), collecting andrecording operational data, recording communications with the PDM 120and/or other devices, and sending operational data to the PDM 120 and/orother devices.

The example downstream LV devices 180 (e.g., the troffer lights 130, thecan lights 150, the controllers 190, the sensing device 140, theinverter 160, the wall outlet 170, the photocell/timer 141) shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B and described herein are not meant to be limiting.Examples of other LV devices 180 that can receive and use (directly orindirectly) LV signals from the PDM 120 and/or a secondary power source125 can include, but are not limited to, a power source (e.g., a LEDdriver, a ballast, a buck converter, a buck-boost converter), acontroller (e.g., a pulse width modulator, a pulse amplitude modulator,a constant current reduction dimmer), a keypad, a touchscreen, a dimmingswitch, a thermostat, a shade controller, a universal serial buscharger, and a meter (e.g., water meter, gas meter, electric meter).

The LV devices 180 (in this case, the troffer lights 130, the can lights150, the controllers 190, the inverter 160, the wall outlet 170, thephotocell/timer 141, and the sensing device 140) of FIGS. 1A and 1B areeach electrically coupled, directly or indirectly, to the PDM 120 and,at least in some cases, at least one secondary power source 125. The PDM120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is electrically coupled to the primary powersource 110 using the line voltage cable 102. The PDM 120 can include apower transfer device that generates, using the power delivered by theprimary power source 110, one or more of a number of LV signals for someor all of the other LV devices 180 (e.g., the troffer lights 130, thecan lights 150, the sensing device 140, secondary power source 125) inthe system 100 and system 101. Examples of a power transfer device caninclude, but are not limited to, a transformer, an inverter, and aconverter. The PDM 120 can have an input portion, an output portion, andthe power transfer device. The power transfer device of the PDM 120 canbe essentially the same as the power transfer device described above foreach of the downstream LV devices 180 in the system 100 of FIG. 1A andsystem 101 of FIG. 1B.

In certain example embodiments, the PDM 120 includes one or more (inthis case, one) input channels 121 that receive the line voltage powerfrom one or more primary power sources 110. The PDM 120 can also includeone or more (e.g., one, two, five, ten) output channels 123, where eachoutput channel 123 (also called an outlet channel) of the PDM 120delivers a LV signal for use by one or more LV devices 180 that areelectrically coupled to that output channel 123 of the PDM 120.

The amount and/or type of power of the LV signal of one output channelcan be substantially the same as, or different than, the amount and/ortype of power of the LV signal of another output channel 123 of the PDM120. For example, each output channel 123 of the PDM 120 can output 100W, 48 VDC of power (also called the LV signal). The LV signals deliveredby an output channel 123 of the PDM 120 can be at a constant leveland/or a variable level. The LV signals can change a state (e.g., on,off, dim, standby) of one or more LV devices 180. In addition, or in thealternative, the LV signal can include transferred data (e.g.,instructions, requests, information, status).

There can be other channels of the PDM 120 that can serve as inputchannels and/or output channels. For example, in this case, the PDM 120includes one or more channels 122 that are coupled to one or morecontrollers 190 and/or other LV devices 180, as described below. Asanother example, also in this case, the PDM 120 includes one or morechannels 124 that are coupled to and receive reserve line voltage fromone or more secondary power sources 125, also as described below.

In certain example embodiments, such as the system 100 of FIG. 1A, oneor more LV cables 104 are used to electrically couple, directly orindirectly, one or more of the LV devices 180 (e.g., the troffer lights130, the can lights 150, the sensing device 140, the secondary powersource 125) in the system 100 and the system 101 to the PDM 120. The LVcables 104 can have one or more pairs of conductors. Each pair ofconductors of the LV cable 104 can deliver LV signals that representpower signals and/or communication signals. In some cases, a LV cable104 has at least one pair of conductors that carries power signals andat least one pair of conductors that carries control signals. The LVcables 104 can be plenum rated. For example, one or more of the LVcables 104 can be used in drop ceilings without conduit or cable trays.

The PDM 120 can also have a communication link 106 with one or morecontrollers 190. In the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the communicationlink 106 is coupled to channel 122 of the PDM 120. The communicationlink 106 can be LV cable, Ethernet cable, a RS45 cable, and/or someother wired technology. In addition, or in the alternative, thecommunication link 106 can be a network using wireless technology (e.g.,Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 6LoPan). As described below, one or more communicationlinks 106 can also be coupled to one or more output channels 123 of thePDM 120, so that the communication links 106, in place of the LV cables104, deliver LV power to one or more of the LV devices 180.

The controller 190 can be communicably coupled to one or more othersystems in addition to the PDM 120 of the system 100 and the system 101.Similarly, the PDM 120 can be coupled to one or more other PDMs in oneor more other systems. The system 100 and the system 101 can havemultiple PDMs 120, where each PDM 120 provides LV power and communicates(sends and receives data) with one or more devices.

In some cases, such as with the system 101 of FIG. 1B, a controller 190can be coupled to one or more other components of the system 101 usingcommunication link 106. Examples of such other components can include,but are not limited to, one or more LV devices 180 (in the case of FIG.1B, sensing devices 140, photocell/timer 141, and inverter 160). As yetanother alternative, one or more components (e.g., sensing devices 140,photocell/timer 141, and inverter 160) of a system (e.g., system 100,system 101) can interface with other components of the system through alow voltage control interface rather than a direct connection to each sothat existing low voltage components (e.g., LV devices 180) can be used.

In certain example embodiments, the PDM 120 can include communicationand diagnostic capabilities. Communications can be with the controller190, one or more secondary power sources 125, one or more downstream LVdevices 180, other PDMs 120 in the system 100 and/or the system 101, auser device, and/or any other component of the system 100 and/or thesystem 101. Diagnostic capabilities can be for operations of the system100 and/or the system 101 overall, for operations of the PDM 120, foroperations of one or more devices (e.g., secondary power source 125)coupled to the PDM 120, for operations of one or more other PDMs in thesystem 100 and/or the system 101, and/or for any other components of thesystem 100 and/or the system 101.

Each secondary power source 125 of FIGS. 1A and 1B can be electricallycoupled to one or more of a number of components of the system 100and/or the system 101. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, asecondary power source 125 can be electrically coupled to the PDM 120.Specifically, the secondary power source 125 of FIGS. 1A and 1B iscoupled to channel 124 of the PDM 120. As another example, as shown inFIG. 1B, a secondary power source 125 can be integrated with (e.g.,disposed within a housing of) a LV device 180 (e.g., a troffer light130). A secondary power source 125 can be electrically coupled toanother component of the system 100 and/or the system 101 using wiredand/or wireless technology. For example, in this case, the secondarypower source 125 can be electrically coupled to the channel 124 of thePDM 120 using a line voltage cable 102 or, optionally, a LV cable 104.Any power delivered by a secondary power source 125 can be calledreserve power.

In certain example embodiments, the secondary power source 125 servesonly to store power that it receives. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, thesecondary power source 125 can receive line voltage power from the PDM120 and store the line voltage power as reserve power in one or morestorage components 126, described below. At a later time (e.g., when theprimary power source 110 stops delivering primary power, as during apower outage), the secondary power source 125 can then release thereserve power through the line voltage cable 102 back to the PDM 120.Alternatively, the secondary power source 125 can receive LV signalsfrom the PDM 120 and store the LV signals as reserve power in the one ormore storage components 126. At a later time, the secondary power source125 can then release the stored LV signals as reserve power through theLV cable 104 back to the PDM 120. In this way, the secondary powersource 125 can provide reserve power to the PDM 120 in lieu of theprimary power provided by the primary power source 110A.

In certain example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 below, the secondarypower source 125 receives power (e.g., input power) from one component(e.g., primary power source 110, PDM 120) of the system (e.g., system100, system 101), generates one or more of a number of LV signals basedon the power received, and sends the LV signals to one or more other LVdevices 180 (e.g., troffer lights 130, can lights 150, sensing device140) in the system. Consequently, the secondary power source 125 canhave an input portion, an output portion, and an optional power transferdevice 128. The power transfer device 128 of the secondary power source125 can be essentially the same as the power transfer device describedabove for the PDM 120. In some cases, such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,the input portion and the output portion of the secondary power source125 can be the same.

In certain example embodiments, the input portion of the secondary powersource 125 receives (directly or indirectly) line voltage power from theprimary power source 110. An example of how the secondary power source125 receives line voltage power is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, where linevoltage power is generated by the primary power source 110, sent to thePDM 120 at input channel 121, and the PDM 120 sends the line voltagepower through channel 124 to the secondary power source 125.

In some cases, the secondary power source 125 has a storage component126. In such a case, the storage component 126 can store power for useat a later time. The storage component 126 of a secondary power source125 can be a single storage component of a number of storage componentsthat can be networked with and/or independent of each other. The storagecomponent 126 can have a capacity, which represents the maximum amountof power that the storage component 126 can store at a given time. Thepower stored by the storage component 126 of the secondary power source125 can be the line voltage power (or other power received by the inputportion of the secondary power source 125) and/or a LV signal.

The storage component 126 of a secondary power source 125 can have avariable charge rate. In other words, the power received in the storagecomponent 126 can be stored at different rates. These different rates ofstoring power in the storage component 126 can vary based on one or moreof a number of factors, including but not limited to a user setting, alevel and type of power, a time of day, a current level of chargerelative to the capacity of the storage component 126, a defaultsetting, an amount of time charging, and whether a storage threshold hasbeen met. Storing and discharging power can be called modes ofoperation.

In certain example embodiments, the storage component 126 of a secondarypower source 125 can intelligently store power to prolong the usefullife of the storage component 126 of the secondary power source 125. Forexample, the secondary power source 125 can include a controller 127that is coupled to the storage component 126. In such a case, thecontroller 127 can control the storage component 126 based on one ormore storage thresholds (in other words, levels of power storage of thestorage component 126 relative to the capacity of the storage component126). For example, the controller 127 can prevent the storage component126 from accepting additional power when the storage component 126 is at95% of capacity (corresponding, for example, to a high storagethreshold), and the controller 127 can allow the storage component 126to accept additional power when the storage component 126 is at 25% ofcapacity (corresponding, for example, to a low storage threshold).

As a specific example, a controller 127 can allow the storage component126 to output the power stored to the output of the secondary powersource 125 to be sent to the downstream device through the PDM 120between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and the controller 127 can prevent thestorage component 126 to output the power stored to the output of thesecondary power source 125 at all other times, except when the primarypower source 110 is unavailable (e.g., is in an outage).

If thresholds or other similar features are used to aid the controller127 to control the storage component 126, such thresholds or othersimilar features can be established and/or changed by a user, bydefault, by the occurrence of some event (e.g., the number of times aparticular threshold is reached, the passage of time), and/or by someother factor. In certain example embodiments, the storage component 126of a secondary power source 125 can be removable and replaceable.

In some cases, rather than being part of the secondary power source 125,the controller can be part of a PDM 120, another secondary power source,an enterprise controller residing on an external server, and/or someother device in the system and/or in another system coupled to thesystem. As yet another alternative, multiple controllers can exist in asystem and control a particular storage component 126 of a particularsecondary power source 125. In such a case, there can be a hierarchyamong the multiple controllers, such that one controller (e.g., acontroller of a PDM 120) can override another controller (e.g., acontroller 127 of a secondary power source 125) under certainconditions. In any case, the controller 127 can control any technologyused by a storage component 126 of a secondary power source 125.

The storage component 126 of a secondary power source 125 can use one ormore of any type of storage technology, including but not limited to abattery, a flywheel, an ultracapacitor, and a supercapacitor. If thestorage component 126 includes a battery, the battery technology canvary, including but not limited to lithium ion, lead/acid, solid state,graphite anode, titanium dioxide, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride,nickel iron, and lithium polymer.

If the secondary power source 125 includes a power transfer device 128,the storage component 126 can be used for power that is fed into and/orgenerated by the power transfer device 128. In certain exampleembodiments, a secondary power source 125 receives LV power (in additionto or in the alternative of line voltage power or some other form ofpower), stores the LV power, and subsequently sends the LV power to oneor more devices in the system.

The output portion of the secondary power source 125 can include one ormore (e.g., one, two, five, ten) input channels 138 and one or moreoutput channels 139, where each input channel 138 (also called an inletchannel) of the secondary power source 125 receives one or more signals(also called input signals), and each output channel 139 (also called anoutlet channel) of the of the secondary power source 125 delivers one ormore reserve signals. As an example, a signal delivered by the secondarypower source 125 can be reserve line voltage power that takes the placeof the line voltage power delivered by the primary power source 110 whendelivery of the line voltage power by the PDM 120 is interrupted. Insuch a case, the secondary power source 125 can receive (directly orindirectly from the primary power source 110) and store line voltagepower (an input signal) to generate the reserve line voltage power.

As another example, a signal delivered by the secondary power source 125can be a reserve LV signal that takes the place of the LV signaldelivered by the PDM 120 when delivery of the LV signal by the PDM 120is interrupted. In such a case, the secondary power source 125 canreceive and store the LV signal (an input signal) to generate thereserve LV signal. In this example, the secondary power source 125 candeliver the reserve LV signal to the PDM 120 and/or to one or more ofthe LV devices 180. In the latter case, one or more LV devices 180 ofthe system (e.g., system 100, system 101) can be electrically coupled toone or more output channels 139 of the secondary power source 125.

The amount and/or type of power of the LV signal of one output channel139 of the secondary power source 125 can be substantially the same as,or different than, the amount and/or type of power of the LV signal ofanother output channel 139 of the secondary power source 125. Forexample, each output channel 139 of the secondary power source 125 canoutput 100 W, 48 VDC of power (also called the LV signal). The LVsignals delivered by an output channel 139 of the secondary power source125 can be at a constant level and/or a variable level. The LV signalscan change a state (e.g., on, off, dim, standby) of one or more LVdevices 180. In addition, or in the alternative, the LV signal caninclude transfer of data (e.g., instructions, requests, information,status).

As yet another example, a secondary power source 125 can include some ofthe capabilities (e.g., power transfer device) of the PDM 120. Forinstance, a secondary power source 125 can receive and store linevoltage power (an input signal) from a primary power source 110. Whendelivery of the line voltage power to the PDM 120 is interrupted, thesecondary power source 125 can apply its reserve line voltage power toan internal power transfer device, generating one or more reserve LVsignals. In such a case, the secondary power source 125 can send thereserve LV signals to the PDM 120 or directly to one or more LV devices180.

In certain example embodiments, one or more LV cables 104 and/orcommunication links 106 are used to electrically couple, directly orindirectly, one or more of the downstream LV devices 180 (e.g., thetroffer lights 130, the can lights 150, the sensing device 140) in thesystem to the secondary power source 125. The LV cables 104 can have oneor more pairs of conductors. Each pair of conductors of the LV cable 104(as described above) can deliver LV signals that represent power signalsand/or communication signals. In addition, or in the alternative, thesecondary power source 125 can be coupled to one or more downstreamdevices using line voltage cable 102, a communication link 106, and/orany other communication device.

The secondary power source 125 can also have a communication link 106(as described above) that couples to one or more controllers 190. Thesecondary power source 125 can be coupled to one or more other PDMs inone or more other systems. The system 100 and/or the system 101 can havemultiple secondary power sources 125, where each secondary power source125 provides LV power (or some other type of power) and communicates(sends and receives data) with one or more downstream devices.

In certain example embodiments, each secondary power source 125 caninclude communication and diagnostic capabilities (as described above).Communications can be with the controller 190, one or more othersecondary power sources 125, one or more primary power sources 110, oneor more downstream LV devices 180, one or more PDMs 120, a user device,and/or any other component of the system 100 and/or the system 101 (orin another system coupled to the system 100 and/or the system 101).

The PDM 120, the controller 190, the secondary power sources 125, and/orthe POL controllers 109 of one or more LV devices 180 can include ahardware processor-based component that executes software instructionsusing integrated circuits, discrete components, and/or other mechanicaland/or electronic architecture. In addition, or in the alternative, thePDM 120, a controller 190, a secondary power source 125, and/or the POLcontrollers 109 of one or more LV devices 180 can include one or more ofa number of non-hardware-based components. An example of such anon-hardware-based components can include one or more field programmablegate arrays (FPGA). Using FPGAs, integrated circuits, and/or othersimilar devices known in the art allows the PDM 120, a controller 190, asecondary power source 125, and/or the POL controllers 109 of one ormore LV devices 180 to be programmable and function according to certainlogic rules and thresholds without the use, or with limited use, of ahardware processor.

The PDM 120 and/or a secondary power source 125 can also have one ormore of a number of other hardware and/or software components, includingbut not limited to a storage repository, memory, an applicationinterface, and a security module. Similarly, the controller 190 and/orthe POL controller 109 of one or more LV devices 180 in the system caninclude one or more software and/or hardware components, including butnot limited to those listed above for the PDM 120 and one or moresecondary power sources 125.

Communications between the PDM 120, the controller 190, and/or a LVdevice 180 (e.g., secondary power source 125, the troffer lights 130,the can lights 150, the controller 190, the sensing device 140) can bebased on one or more of a number of factors. For example, communicationscan be based on an algorithm or formula set forth in software and/orhardware within one or more components of the system. As anotherexample, communications can be based on events associated with a LVdevice 180 or component of the system. Such events can include, but arenot limited to, light intensity, an emergency condition, demandresponse, passage of time, and a time sweep.

Communications between the PDM 120, the controller 190, and/or a LVdevice 180 (e.g., a secondary power source 125, the troffer lights 130,the can lights 150, the controller 190, the sensing device 140) can bemade through the LV cables 104 and/or the communication link 106, usingwired and/or wireless technology. Similarly, as discussed above, linepower and/or LV signals can be transmitted between the PDM 120, thecontroller 190, and/or a LV device 180 using communication links 106,which can include wired and/or wireless technology.

FIG. 2 shows a system diagram of another hybrid distributed low voltagepower system 200 in accordance with certain example embodiments.Specifically, the system 200 of FIG. 2 is substantially the same as thesystem 100 of FIG. 1A, except that there are two secondary powersources, secondary power source 225A and secondary power source 225B. Inthis case, the output of each secondary power source 225 is directlycoupled to a downstream device rather than to the PDM 220. Specifically,the output of the secondary power source 225A is coupled to the first ina series of troffer lights 230 and a photocell/timer 241, and the outputof the secondary power source 225B is coupled to the first in a seriesof sensing devices 240 and troffer lights 230.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the secondary power sources receive linevoltage power from a primary power source, convert the line voltagepower to LV power, and send the LV power to the downstream devices towhich they are coupled using LV cables 204. In this case, primary powersource 210A delivers line voltage power to both the PDM 220 and thesecondary power source 225A, and primary power source 210C delivers linevoltage power to secondary power source 225B. Each secondary powersource 225 can store the line voltage power prior to converting the linevoltage power to LV power, and/or each secondary power source 225 canconvert the line voltage power to LV power and subsequently store the LVpower prior to sending the LV power to the downstream devices.

The PDM 220 can communicate with each secondary power source 225 usingone or more communication links 206. In this way, the PDM 220 cancontrol one or more aspects of the operation of each secondary powersource 225. For example, the PDM 220 can use the communication links 206to direct one or both of the secondary power sources 225 in FIG. 2 tostop receiving input power from its respective primary power source 210and/or release the power stored in its respective storage component 226so that LV power can be delivered to the downstream devices.

FIG. 3 shows another system diagram of another hybrid distributed lowvoltage power system 300 in accordance with certain example embodiments.The system 300 of FIG. 3 is substantially like the system 200 of FIG. 2,except as described below. In this case, the PDM 320 of FIG. 3 is a POEswitch. As such, only a single LV device 380 is coupled to an outputchannel 323 of the PDM 320. Further, communication links 306 (e.g.,Ethernet cables) rather than LV cables are used to couple an outputchannel 323 of the PDM 320 to a LV device 380. In some cases, multipleLV devices 380 can be coupled, in series and/or in parallel, with asingle output channel 323 of the PDM 320.

In this case, troffer light 330A is coupled to output channel 323-1 ofthe PDM 320 using a communication link 306. Can light 350A is coupled tooutput channel 323-2 of the PDM 320 using a communication link 306.Troffer light 330B is coupled to output channel 323-3 of the PDM 320using a communication link 306. Can light 350B is coupled to outputchannel 323-4 of the PDM 320 using a communication link 306. Trofferlight 330C is coupled to output channel 323-5 of the PDM 320 using acommunication link 306. Troffer light 330D is coupled to output channel323-6 of the PDM 320 using a communication link 306.

Further, in this example, there is no direct coupling between theprimary power source 310 and the two secondary power sources 325 (inthis case, secondary power source 325A and secondary power source 325B).Instead, the primary power source 310 sends the line voltage power tothe PDM 320 through the line voltage cables 302. Once the line voltagepower is received by the PDM 320, some of that line voltage power isused by the PDM 320 to generate the one or more LV signals. The rest ofthe line voltage power (as well as one or more other signals, such ascommunication signals) can be distributed to the secondary power source325A and/or the secondary power source 325B using line voltage cables302, LV cables 304, and/or communication links 306.

Alternatively, once the PDM 320 receives the line voltage power from theprimary power source 310, the PDM 320 can send some other signal (e.g.,a LV signal) to one or both of the secondary power sources 325, whichcan be used by the secondary power sources 325 to store and eventuallygenerate reserve signals. In this example, there is also no direct linkbetween the two secondary power sources 325 and any of the LV devices380. In some cases, if a secondary power source 325 is directly coupledto one or more LV devices 380, then the secondary power source 325 caninclude one or more components of the PDM 320, including but not limitedto a power transfer device. In such a case, the secondary power source325 can generate and send reserve LV signals to the LV devices 380 whendelivery of the line voltage power from the primary power source 310 isinterrupted.

Example embodiments provide a number of benefits. Examples of suchbenefits include, but are not limited to, reduction in energy usage;simplistic integration into existing systems lacking a secondary powersource, simplified maintenance; qualification as a Class 2 device and/orsystem; compliance with one or more applicable standards and/orregulations; less need for licensed electricians; reduced downtime ofequipment; lower maintenance costs; prognosis of equipment failure;improved maintenance planning; and reduced cost of labor and materials.Example embodiments can also be integrated (e.g., retrofitted) withexisting systems.

Example embodiments are electrically safe. Example systems or anyportion thereof can be free from risk (or a greatly reduced risk) offire or electrical shock for any user installing, using, replacing,and/or maintaining any portion of example embodiments. For example, theLV signals that feed a device can allow a user to maintain the devicewithout fear of fire or electrical shock. While Class 2 systems andSELV/PELV/FELV are described above, example embodiments can comply withone or more of a number of similar standards and/or regulationsthroughout the world. Example embodiments can be used to implementintelligent predictive load management strategies.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to exampleembodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications are well within the scope and spirit of thisdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exampleembodiments described herein are not limited to any specificallydiscussed application and that the embodiments described herein areillustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exampleembodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing otherembodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves topractitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exampleembodiments is not limited herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hybrid distributed low voltage power system,comprising: a first primary power source that distributes line voltagepower during a first mode of operation and fails to distribute the linevoltage power during a second mode of operation; a first secondary powersource that receives an input signal during the first mode of operationand distributes a reserve signal during the second mode of operation,wherein the reserve signal is generated from the input signal; a powerdistribution module (PDM) coupled to the first primary power source andthe first secondary power source, wherein the PDM comprises a firstpower transfer device and a first output channel, wherein the PDMreceives the line voltage power from the first primary power sourceduring the first mode of operation, and wherein the first power transferdevice generates a first low-voltage (LV) signal using the line voltagepower during the first mode of operation; and at least one first LVdevice coupled to the first output channel of the PDM, wherein the atleast one first LV device operates using the first LV signal generatedby the PDM during the first mode of operation, and wherein the at leastone first LV device receives a reserve LV signal based on the reservesignal during the second mode of operation.
 2. The hybrid distributedlow voltage power system of claim 1, wherein the input signal is theline voltage power distributed by the first primary power source, andwherein the reserve signal is reserve primary power delivered by thefirst secondary power source to the first power transfer device of thePDM, and wherein the line voltage power is received by the firstsecondary power source directly from the first primary power source. 3.The hybrid distributed low voltage power system of claim 1, wherein theinput signal is the line voltage power distributed by the first primarypower source, and wherein the reserve signal is reserve primary powerdelivered by the first secondary power source to the first powertransfer device of the PDM, and wherein the line voltage power isreceived by the first secondary power source directly from the PDM. 4.The hybrid distributed low voltage power system of claim 1, wherein theinput signal is the line voltage power distributed by the first primarypower source, and wherein the reserve signal is the reserve LV signalgenerated by an alternative power transfer device of the first secondarypower source using the line voltage power, and wherein the reserve LVsignal is received by the at least one first LV device directly from thePDM.
 5. The hybrid distributed low voltage power system of claim 4,wherein the first secondary power source is disposed within a housing ofthe at least one first LV device.
 6. The hybrid distributed low voltagepower system of claim 1, wherein the input signal is the LV signaldistributed by the PDM, and wherein the reserve LV signal is deliveredby the first secondary power source to the PDM.
 7. The hybriddistributed low voltage power system of claim 1, wherein the inputsignal is the first LV signal distributed by the PDM, and wherein thereserve LV signal is delivered by the first secondary power source tothe at least one first LV device.
 8. The hybrid distributed low voltagepower system of claim 1, further comprising: a second secondary powersource that receives the input signal during the first mode of operationand distributes an alternative reserve signal during the second mode ofoperation, wherein the alternative reserve signal is generated from theinput signal; and at least one second LV device coupled to a secondoutput channel of the PDM, wherein the at least one second LV deviceoperates on a second LV signal generated by the PDM during the firstmode of operation, and wherein the at least one second LV devicereceives and operates on an alternative reserve LV signal based on thealternative reserve signal during the second mode of operation.
 9. Thehybrid distributed low voltage power system of claim 1, wherein thefirst secondary power source is disposed within a housing of the PDM.10. The hybrid distributed low voltage power system of claim 1, whereinthe PDM determines when to change between the first mode of operationand the second mode of operation, and wherein the PDM sends controlsignals to the first secondary power source to control operation of thefirst secondary power source during the first mode of operation and thesecond mode of operation.
 11. The hybrid distributed low voltage powersystem of claim 1, further comprising a second primary power sourcecoupled to the first secondary power source, wherein the second primarypower source provides alternative line voltage power to the firstsecondary power source.
 12. The hybrid distributed low voltage powersystem of claim 1, wherein the first mode of operation occurs duringoff-peak power periods, and wherein the second mode of operation occursduring on-peak power periods.
 13. The hybrid distributed low voltagepower system of claim 1, wherein the first secondary power sourcecomprises a local controller that controls activity of the firstsecondary power source.
 14. The hybrid distributed low voltage powersystem of claim 13, wherein the input signal of the first secondarypower source is the primary power, wherein the local controllerdetermines a level of charge of the first secondary power source,wherein the local controller prevents the first secondary power sourcefrom receiving the line voltage power when the level of charge is abovean upper threshold voltage, and wherein the local controller allows thefirst secondary power source to receive the line voltage power when thelevel of charge falls below a lower threshold voltage.
 15. The hybriddistributed low voltage power system of claim 1, wherein the first LVsignal is direct current power.
 16. The hybrid distributed low voltagepower system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first LV devicequalifies as a Class 2 device.
 17. A secondary power source, comprising:at least one input channel configured to receive an input signal from aprimary power source; a storage portion coupled to the at least oneinput channel, wherein the storage portion stores the input signal,wherein the storage portion converts the input signal to a reservesignal; and at least one output channel coupled to the storage portionand a power distribution module (PDM), wherein the at least one outputchannel is configured to deliver the reserve signal to the PDM for useby at least one low-voltage (LV) device.
 18. The secondary power sourceof claim 17, further comprising: a power transfer device electricallycoupled to and disposed between the storage portion and the at least oneoutput channel, wherein the power transfer device is configured togenerate a reserve low-voltage (LV) signal based on the reserve signal.19. The secondary power source of claim 17, further comprising: a localcontroller configured to determine a level of charge of the storageportion, wherein the local controller prevents the storage portion fromreceiving the input signal when the level of charge is above an upperthreshold voltage, and wherein the local controller allows the storageportion to receive the first input signal when the level of charge fallsbelow a lower threshold voltage.
 20. A power distribution module,comprising: an input channel configured to receive a line voltage powerfrom a primary power source during a first mode of operation; asecondary channel configured to receive a reserve signal from asecondary power source during a second mode of operation; a powertransfer device coupled to the input channel and the secondary channel,wherein the power transfer device generates a low voltage (LV) signalusing the line voltage power during the first mode of operation, andwherein the power transfer device generates a reserve LV signal usingthe reserve signal during the second mode of operation; and an outputchannel coupled to the power transfer device, wherein the output channelis configured to send the LV signal to at least one first LV deviceduring the first mode of operation, and wherein the output channel isconfigured to send the reserve LV signal to the at least one first LVdevice during the second mode of operation.